Alontae Taylor spent time with the athletes at the HBCU Legacy Bowl over the course of the week and reflected on his experience with New Orleans Saints team reporter Erin Summers.
The Saints defensive back is in the position these prospects are aiming to be in, so he’s more than qualified to give them advice.
Prior to the practices for the all star game, the players went through the HBCU Combine. Alabama A&M offensive tackle Carson Vinson was the only HBCU player invited to the NFL Scouting Combine this year. This event allowed more HBCU players to go through the process in front of all 32 teams.
This is where Taylor was able to give his advice. “Being able to talk to them earlier in the week with Marcus and pick their brain and just teach them things that I’ve already been through that can help them in their combine experience.”
Taylor understands the value of the game, as well as the combine, for these players. “It’s very important for them because they’re getting an opportunity.”
Every player in this game is competing for the chance to be drafted. The top players are looking to be drafted in the mid-to-late round rounds at best. Some of those players are fighting to be considered as an undrafted free agent option.
That’s part of what comes with being a small school prospect. Taylor was correct to point out “there’s a lot of great athletes in HBCUs that don’t get the exposure,” and the Legacy Bowl lets them “broadcast their talents in front of all 32 teams.”